Ritz-Carlton's first cruise ship named Azora

The name means "sky blue," derived from "azure" and "azul" (Spanish for blue). Blue is also one of Ritz-Carlton's signature colours.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's first yacht, expected to begin sailing in February 2020, will be named Azora.

The name means "sky blue," derived from "azure" and "azul" (Spanish for blue). Blue is also one of Ritz-Carlton's signature colours.

The Azora will hold 298 passengers with 149 suites and two owner's suites.

"We wanted to select a name that embodies the wanderlust of a luxury journey at sea and inspires travelers to dream of their next destination," Doug Prothero, CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, said in a statement. "Azora, which evokes the beauty of the sky and ocean, does both."

Ritz-Carlton announced the yacht collection last year. Earlier this fall, the Azora was launched into the water at the Hijos De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, where interior finishes will be completed. Interior finishes were jointly designed by Ritz-Carlton and design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden.